The University of Edinburgh has been ranked fifth in the world for ‘industry, innovation and infrastructure’ in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022, which measure universities’ delivery of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The University was ranked 29th out of 1,406 global universities as measured against all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), scoring 98.1 out of 100, which is Edinburgh’s best performance to date in the THE Impact Rankings.
And it was placed fifth out of 785 institutions that were ranked against SDG 9, ‘Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure’, with a score of 99.8 out of 100.
The SDG 9 ranking’s key metrics include the number of university startups and spinouts created and research income derived from industry – both of which are the responsibility of Edinburgh Innovations. The rankings are designed in a way that calibrates for a university’s size and wealth as well as economic factors in a university’s country.
Dr George Baxter, CEO of Edinburgh Innovations, said:
To be ranked so highly against so many institutions internationally reflects the excellent work of colleagues in supporting students, researchers and our commercial partners to turn great ideas into innovations that have impact in the world. It also shows the entrepreneurial talent that is attracted to Edinburgh as our reputation in this field grows.
The University of Edinburgh was ranked 32nd out of 604 against SDG 12, ‘Responsible Consumption and Production’, and ninth out of 1,438 against SDG 17, ‘Partnership for the Goals’.
The University also scored highly for helping to improve Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), contributing towards No Poverty (SDG 1), supporting Zero Hunger (SDG 2), taking Climate Action (SDG 13) and contributing to Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).
Last year the University was ranked 36th overall with a score of 91.1 out of 100. In 2020, the University was ranked 30th with an overall score of 91.8 out of 100.
Professor Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, said:
The fantastic staff and students of the University of Edinburgh show great commitment to the University’s mission of making the world a better place. Our Strategy 2030 aligns the University with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and despite the challenges of the last two difficult years we continue to deliver positive change locally and globally through our academic research, education, operations and partnerships. I am always pleased to see our progress being recognised.
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Photo: Wikiwat Thitasiri – second prize, Edinburgh Global Photography Competition 2014. The international student photo competition has been a popular annual regular in the University’s calendar since its inception in 2010.
